Head Start Professional Development Manager

This position entails mainly specific tasks that are technical and diverse in nature and requires the capacity for independent judgment and action and the ability to work with others to accomplish program goals and objectives and integration of program activities to achieve comprehensive program services for eligible children and families. Regular work hours are 8 am to 5 pm; however extended hours will be required. SPCAA Head Start staff must be able to adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.

JOB TITLE SUMMARY

Head Start is committed to establishing a learning environment in which children, parents, and staff can teach and learn from one another. To accomplish this goal, staff must display sensitivity to and knowledge of the community’s cultural differences and issues. All Head Start staff shall agree to abide by the program’s standards of conduct introduced during pre-service and/or orientation. Employee orientation, pre-service and in-service training are provided in order to assist staff and volunteers in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their job responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

· Responsible for the provision of Educationand Professional Development services that meet or exceed Head Start Performance Standards, The Head Start Act, ongoing guidance from the Office of Head Start, and CCR Minimum Standards, by developing and implementing policies and procedures.

· Conducts regular site visits to provide technical support and monitor service delivery. Site visits should provide staff with recommendations and guidance to ensure quality in classrooms are present based upon established guidelines.

· Supervise, guide and support Professional Development Assistants and coaches

· Plan and implement training programs that will effectively meet the needs of Head Start staff to enhance the Education and Professional Development content areas.

· Aggregate and analyze Education and Professional Development data and make recommendations for improvements and changes.

· Responsible for the monitoring of the Education and Professional Development content area to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

· Coordinate with other Managers to ensure quality integration of all content areas.

· Capture, value, and appropriately document In-Kind, non-federal share.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OR JOB REQUIREMENTS

· Ensure time sheets are submitted accurately and timely on a semi-monthly basis.

· Ensure any on-the-job accidents are reported immediately and followed-up with appropriate forms.

· Report any suspected fraud and abuse to the direct supervisor or SPCAA Fraud and Abuse Officer.

· Attend training and workshops for professional development as specified by Management.

· Employment as Professional Development Manager is contingent upon individual retaining credentials to meet position qualifications as set by program requirements of funding source or state licensing.

· Must obtain CLASS Observation certifications in Infant, Toddler and Pre-K during first year of employment at the cost to SPCAA. Certifications must be maintained with the cost being paid for by SPCAA. SPCAA will pay for the courses only one time per certification.

· Prepare, collect, aggregate and analyze data in to ensure continuous improvement in program operations.

· Provide feedback on data and opportunities for continuous improvement to Program Director, Quality Assurance Manager and Regional Administrator as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or a baccalaureate and equivalent coursework in early childhood with early education teaching experience.

· Must have experience with the theories and principles of child growth, development, education and family support and remain abreast of current best practices and applicable research.

· Must have at least 2 years’ experience in education related area.

· Must have demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.

· Must have ability to develop and implement training programs.

· Demonstrated ability of computer skills

· Available for a moderate amount of night and weekend work.

· Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with the “Drug Free”: Agency Policy.

· Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks.

· Must submit to TB tests as required.

· Must possess ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel. Must possess and maintain valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· The usual requirements in an office environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustments of office furniture.

· Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.

· Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time.

· May require long periods of standing or walking.

· Occasional bending or squatting required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.

· Noise level could be moderate to loud in working in center.

· Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.

· Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

· Heavy local travel – ability to travel for activities such as CLASS observations, classroom support, meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area.

· Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities.